The Orchard, page 13
Leah whispered that she thought Aaron was showing off for them.
“Maybe Sol wants to look nice for Ruthann.”
“Could be.” Leah adjusted her black woolen scarf at her neck. “I’m lookin’ forward to seein’ die Youngie again.”
“It won’t bother ya to see Josh, I hope.”
“Not at all.”
She’s over him, Ellie thought, glad for Leah’s sake.
“Say, Ellie, I’ve been enjoyin’ your fudge,” Sol said over his shoulder. “Denki.”
“Glad ya like it.”
“Sol’s still not sharing,” Leah said, laughing.
Aaron nodded emphatically.
Sol glanced over his shoulder. “Well, it’s my gift.”
“I’ll send some more for yous,” Ellie replied.
Aaron turned around. “Ya would, really?”
Ellie nodded. “Sure, it’s Christmas. All my favorite neighbors get some sweets!”
Leah giggled. “Can you believe these two, Ellie? Brothers!”
Ellie was amused, but it also made her remember how she and Evan bantered over trivial things. How she missed having him around for Christmas!
After a long day of clearing away clipped tree branches with his pitchfork and then burning them to thwart the spread of disease, Lyle was glad to simply listen to Elisabeth read Evan’s recent letter at bedtime. Every so often, her voice quavered and she would stop to gather herself before starting again, but he was mighty thankful, if not relieved, that Evan continued to write to them as well as to Ellie.
It amazed him how appreciative Evan sounded about receiving their letters. More like the way he used to be, Lyle thought, watching his wife’s dear face. According to Evan, the bishop had written him “yet another letter,” and so had Sol Bontrager and others.
God’s love comes in unexpected ways.
On Christmas Day, Ellie was eager to spend time with her family during Mamm’s wonderful noon feast. Dat had added all the leaves to the table that morning and brought folding tables from the cellar for the grandchildren old enough to eat without assistance. Ellie placed two red tapers in antique glass holders on the long trestle table, a small sprig of holly around the base of each candle. Then she set it for the twelve adults and kept space for a high chair.
Ellie helped Mamm prepare the side dishes—sweet potatoes mashed with cream and butter, cut corn, lima beans, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, tapioca pudding, chow chow, sweet and sour pickles, green olives, and two pies for dessert—pecan and cherry. All of this while the glazed ham roasted in the cookstove.
How many holidays will Evan miss? Ellie wondered, feeling twinges of sadness, as surely Mamm must be, too. All of us are feeling it.
When it came time for everyone to gather round the table, Dat placed young grandson Caleb on a Sears & Roebuck catalog in Evan’s usual spot. Then Dat bowed his head for the silent table blessing for a noticeably longer time than usual.
After the prayer, the adults passed the serving dishes around. The older children took turns carrying their plates and their younger siblings’ to their mothers, who dished up their food. Rudy and Lovina’s dimple-faced Mary, now nine months old, sat in the wooden high chair while Dawdi Hezekiah made silly faces at her to make her giggle.
The kitchen was overflowing with wonderful-good food, jovial conversation, and most of the dear people in Ellie’s life. Partway through the meal, she paused for a moment to look around and spotted Dawdi, his gray eyes gentle as he looked at her, as though sensing her thoughts.
Ellie doubted Dawdi would want to walk through the orchard in several inches of snow, so after her siblings and their families left around four-thirty, she headed over to his place. As she hurried up the porch steps, she noticed icicles dangling from the roof and sparkling like gems.
She opened the Dawdi Haus door. “It’s Ellie,” she said softly as she slipped inside.
“Was hopin’ ya might come over,” Dawdi said, sitting in his comfortable rocker near the black heater stove in the sitting room. “I’m movin’ a little slow.”
“Did ya have your nap?” Ellie asked as she hung her coat on one of the wooden pegs just inside the door. She headed into the warm room and sat on the sofa.
Dawdi chuckled. “Jah, this ol’ body had to recover after that feast.”
“I think I overate, too,” she said, going on to say she’d played with her nephews and nieces after the leftovers were put away and the dishes were done. “You should’ve stayed round for the songs we sang.”
“Did ya sing ‘The First Noel’?” he asked, brightening. “I like the story that one tells. Your Mammi said it was the first carol she learned in English as a child . . . ever so long ago.”
Ellie smiled, enjoying another of the family tidbits Dawdi liked to share.
“Jah, we sang all the verses, and ‘Silent Night,’ too. Evan used to say that carol made his eyes water.”
Dawdi chuckled. “I’d have to say it makes mine water, too.” He sighed. “It was a real nice time, seein’ everyone round your Mamm’s big table. But I guess I’m getting older . . . can’t miss my daily nap.”
“Far as I can tell, Dawdi, you’re the same as yesterday and the day before.”
“Nice of ya, Ellie-girl.”
She smiled, always at ease around him.
Dawdi blinked several times, like he was fighting back emotion. “May the Lord above keep watch over our Evan this day and always.”
“Amen to that,” Ellie whispered.
20
Three days after Christmas, Ellie was making supper with Mamm and saying how good it was that Leah could get home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Her mother nodded, listening as she cooked the chicken pieces with chopped potatoes, carrots, and celery in a large saucepan, preparing to make a pot pie. “According to your Dat, Sol and his family were thrilled ’bout that, too.”
“Sol and Aaron seemed so happy to have her along for the sleigh ride over to caroling the other night,” Ellie replied while rolling out half of the pie crust to press into a deep-dish pie pan.
“Because of her, Christmas was almost as special this year as other years, at least for you,” Mamm said softly. She glanced at Ellie. “I know this one was difficult for your Dat, especially.”
Ellie nodded. “Dawdi, too.”
“So true.” Mamm paused a moment, then added, “Your father has a lot on his mind. He’s been contemplating his original intention for the management of the orchard.”
Turning her head, Ellie asked, “Oh?”
“As you can imagine, he doesn’t want to risk movin’ forward with the plan for Evan to take over, not with things so uncertain.” Mamm sighed. “I’ll just say he’s grappling with it.”
“Poor Dat,” Ellie said quietly. “But I’m sure he’ll do the right thing.”
On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, a letter from Leah arrived, and Ellie, eager to read it, went straight into the house. She opened the envelope and began reading while standing at one end of the kitchen, waiting for the part of the floor she’d mopped earlier to dry.
Dear Ellie,
This is the first chance I’ve had to write since returning from Christmas—it’s rare for the twins and Bobby to nap all at once. But I’d like you to know that my circle of friends at the Amish church here is growing, and I recently met someone.
His name is Reuben Miller, and his Dat is one of the preachers here. We haven’t gone out yet, but he’s talked with me several times after the common meal, and, well, I can tell he likes me. (You know when a fellow looks at you a certain way.) And the truth is, I like him, too.
Since Carolyn gives me Sundays off, I’ll be able to go if Reuben ever asks me out riding after Singing. Of course, with my responsibilities, I can’t attend any of the other youth activities, but that’s all right. After all, I’m here to look after Carolyn’s children, not to be courted.
I’d thought of telling you when I was home for Christmas, but I’d known Reuben just a little while, and I wasn’t sure our relationship would go anywhere. But this past Sunday at Singing, we talked quite a lot, so I’m more certain now about his interest.
“Oh goodness,” Ellie whispered, a wave of despair threatening to wash over her. But thankfully, the rest of the letter said nothing more about Reuben Miller.
She returned the letter to the envelope and placed it on the counter. I wonder if she’s told Sol about this fellow, she thought, not wanting to be the one to reveal the possibility that his sister might fall for a beau so far away.
At the end of the first Singing of the new year, and after he’d put his hand on hers in the sleigh, Ellie wondered if Menno might ask her to go riding with him alone. She really hoped so, although they’d had so much fun doubling with other couples, especially Sol and Ruthann.
Menno was standing in the corner of the hosts’ large basement with the other fellows, all of them talking and laughing like the guys often did during refreshments.
Ruthann joined Ellie at the refreshment table for a cookie. “I wish we were goin’ out with you and Menno again,” she said softly. “But Sol didn’t bring his father’s enclosed carriage, so we must not be. I wonder why.”
“Uh, maybe he wants to spend time with you alone sometimes?” Ellie smiled at her. “Be happy.”
“I am, but ’tween you and me, Sol seems different when we’re alone.”
Ellie was surprised. “What do ya mean?”
“Not sure.” Ruthann paused. “Just not as much fun, I guess.”
“Well, double-dating is more lighthearted—everyone joins in the chatter, ya know. Serious dating is a completely different approach. And remember, there’s courting to think ’bout, eventually.”
Ruthann nodded. “Jah.” But she didn’t look convinced.
The host blew the pitch pipe, signaling it was time to return to the tables and sing for another hour.
Ellie and Ruthann took their seats and waited as the others joined them. Menno caught Ellie’s eye and smiled at her across the table, and she smiled back, though not too broadly—especially since Ruthann seemed disappointed that they weren’t going out as couples.
When the last song had been sung, the youth milled around the basement, talking and pairing up. Menno walked over to Ellie and asked if she’d like to go out riding.
She agreed, and they headed up the stairs behind Ruthann and Sol. She’ll enjoy the evening, Ellie thought, glad to have some time with just Menno at last. Hopefully, talking one-on-one tonight, they’d get to know each other better.
The night air was bitterly cold as they left the hosting farmhouse and walked to Menno’s buggy. There, he unfolded the heavy lap blankets, and Ellie was extra glad for her woolen scarf and mittens.
Under the light of the near half-moon, Menno clicked his tongue and directed the horse onto the road. He couldn’t have looked any more handsome holding the driving lines, sitting there next to her. She’d wondered how she might feel on such an outing, just the two of them.
“A real perty night,” she said softly, looking at the stars.
“And real nippy.” Menno chuckled.
Shivering, she waited for him to say more, wishing he might put his arm around her, even just to keep her warm, yet knowing he probably wouldn’t since they weren’t officially courting.
“What do ya hear from your brother these days?” Menno asked.
“Oh, he’ll be comin’ up on the end of his two months of Advanced Infantry Training soon.”
“Comin’ home for his thirty-day leave?”
“I’m guessing so.”
Menno bristled. “He hasn’t told ya? That doesn’t seem right.”
She was surprised by his response. “I’m sure a lot’s goin’ through Evan’s mind after more than three months away from home and all.”
Menno nodded. “A long time to be in a foreign land.”
“Jah, well, we all know Evan made a terrible choice,” she replied, feeling uncomfortable.
“I wonder if he’ll ever admit to makin’ a mistake.” Menno looked at her. “Has he ever said anything to you?”
The way Menno sounded just now, she really didn’t care to share the personal things Evan had written to her. So she didn’t answer his question.
“I guess it’s none of my business,” he finally said.
“Maybe we should talk ’bout something else.” She wished he hadn’t asked about Evan. It was hard enough, dealing with this strange time without her brother, and now to have to face such pointed questions from someone she liked . . . Well, it was disappointing.
“I prob’ly shouldn’t say this, but Evan’s like no other Amish fella I know. Seems awful selfish.”
Ellie pressed her lips together. “We can’t really know what another person is thinkin’ or feelin’, but he’s my twin brother, and I care ’bout him.”
Menno was quiet for a while, then said, “Must be hard for you, writing him and knowin’ what he’s putting you and your family through. I wouldn’t do it.”
She couldn’t believe how judgmental Menno sounded. “Did ya know that the bishop and others are keepin’ in touch with Evan?”
“But isn’t that just to try an’ keep him from turnin’ his back on God and the People?”
“I’d like to think it’s out of kindness and caring . . . for a young man who’s lost his way. There’s still hope, I believe.” She pushed her hands beneath the heavy lap blankets, recalling Ruthann’s peculiar remark about how things were different when she and Sol went out alone. But this isn’t only different, Ellie realized. Menno’s spouting off his true feelings . . . and it’s hurtful.
For much too long, Menno said nothing, and Ellie felt all the more annoyed. At last, she said, “Ya know, if Evan’s bad decision upsets ya so, maybe you’d rather not be around his sister.”
“You mean . . .” Menno’s tone held surprise.
She shrugged.
“Actually, Ellie, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while ’bout the shame Evan’s put on not just himself and your family but on all the People here.” Menno paused. “But I didn’t think you’d react this way . . . defending him.”
She shook her head, fuming inwardly. “Whatever he’s done, I love my brother!”
Menno murmured under his breath, and she had a pretty clear picture of what he felt toward Evan and possibly toward her and her family. Now she couldn’t wait for this evening to be over.
Another half mile, and they approached the front of her house. “Will ya let me out here?” she said.
“I’d like to walk ya to the door,” Menno said as he signaled the horse to turn into the long driveway.
When they came to a stop, Ellie pushed the lap blankets back and stepped out of the buggy. She was met in front of the mare by Menno, who walked with her toward the steps leading to the side door. “Didn’t mean to offend ya,” he said.
“Wish you’d said somethin’ before now.”
Menno looked toward the sky, then back at her. “Still, I don’t see how I can change my opinion.”
How long has he felt such resentment toward Evan? she wondered, determined not to look back as she quickly climbed the porch steps, baffled this night had made such a sudden turn. Even so, it was better to know where Menno stood than to continue hoping they might end up courting.
“Well, gut Nacht, Ellie,” she heard him say.
“S’posin’ it should be good-bye.” She opened the door and stepped inside.
———
Upstairs in her room, Ellie lit the lantern, took down her hair, and brushed it thoroughly, jittery with anger. “Calm down,” she whispered to herself as she put on her white flannel nightgown.
She slipped into bed and pulled up the blankets and quilts, then stared at where the faintest light from the moon crept around the edge of a window shade. She yawned and reached over to outen the lantern, surprised she wasn’t sorry her relationship with Menno had come to an end.
After a time, she got up and raised the shade on one of the dormer windows, then looked fondly at the expanse of orchard. Sighing with relief, she felt a surge of warmth, even contentment. “I’ll get to stay round here for longer,” she whispered.
Ellie worked alongside Dat all week, helping load the spring wagon with pruned branches on the ground beneath the apple trees. She was thankful for Evan’s old work gloves, which were a little big for her but did the job.
She didn’t tell anyone about the breakup with Menno, and she didn’t say a word to Sol about Leah’s recent letter about Reuben Miller, either. She had hoped Sol might hear about Reuben from Leah directly, considering how it could affect him and his family if she were to become serious with him. But if she had told Sol, it was a bit odd he didn’t mention it.
Ellie contemplated the fact that she was now without a boyfriend—what an odd way to start the new year! Yet there was no second-guessing that. Menno’s critical words still repeated in her memory, and she would tell Ruthann about it at some point—maybe even Sol, if he asked. After all, the grapevine would get out the news soon enough.
21
Ellie wasn’t surprised when Ruthann dropped by Friday evening, a two-layer chocolate fudge cake in hand. And when she asked to go upstairs to talk “privately,” Ellie knew what was coming.
Ruthann sat on the edge of Ellie’s bed and removed her headscarf. “I heard from Menno’s older sister that he’s no longer seein’ you. You must be upset.”
“Nee.” Ellie leaned back against the headboard. “’Tween you and me, I was the one who suggested we go our separate ways.”
Ruthann glanced toward the window. “Well, I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I am. And it’s nice of ya to ask.”
“I care, ya know.” Ruthann then told her she was going to Somerset for the rest of the winter. “Mamm’s youngest cousin needs a live-in helper during and after her upcoming back surgery. They have two children under the age of two.”
